Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy benefits both mother and child due to certain organ systems developing with each trimester. Babies may be influenced by what is known as "maternal toxins," resulting in more frequent childhood illness, a tendency for skin problems such as diaper rash and eczema, and a tendency for higher fevers when sick. Acupuncture is recommended 2-4 times per month at Florida Complete Wellness, Inc. to enhance the health of the mother, prevent complications and influence the development of the baby.

First Trimester:
A recent Austrailian study published in the journal Birth reports that of 593 women less than 14 weeks pregnant who participated, those who recieved acupuncture reported having less frequent and shorter periods of nausea than the women who received no acupuncture. These improvements were felt immediately and lasted throughout the the four-week duration of the study. During the first trimester, acupuncture also relieves fatigue, bleeding and migraines.

Second Trimester:

By maintaining balance into the second trimester, acupuncture can alleviate hemorrhoids, heartburn, and help ease stress. Other commonly treated conditions include edema, elevated blood pressure and excessive weight gain. These latter conditions require concurrant monitoring by the expectant mother's obstetric physician.

Third Trimester:

As this is the stage where certain conditions such as sciatica, pubic, joint pain and backache can be more problematic, acupuncture can offer much needed relief. During this time, the acupuncture physician will also focus on acupuncture points aimed at properly positioning the baby by encouraging a head-down position. In the last four to six weeks of pregnancy, the mother wil receive treatment to normalize labor and keep her as comfortable as possible.

Birth and Post-Natal Care:

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that the use of moxabustion, when applied to 130 pregnant women with breech presentations, increased the number of head-first births significantly. Used in China for centuries as a form of medicine, Chinese mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) is lit in stick-form and burned over a point on the fifth toe (not touching the skin). This gentle, smoldering heat treatment should be used at 32-36 weeks and only in healthy pregnancies.

Acupuncture During Labor:

Many expectant mothers turn to acupuncture for pain relief and to replenish energy during labor. However, acupuncture can also help stimulate uterine contractions without the use of drugs. This is acheived by using acupuncture points not typically used earlier in the pregnancy due to their ability to perform this action. Usually, the expectant mother would have a series of two to three successive days of one-hour treatments, so early referral is essential. A loved one who can provide transportation to and from the clinic is needed as well.

Acupuncture After Delivery:

Acupuncture is often used to staunch heavy bleeding, and can be especially welcome after delivery. Additionally, the first six weeks postpartum can be an excellent time to address underlying imbalances with acupuncture that possibly have been existing for years, such as mild depression and menstrual irregularities.

In addition to restoring a mother's energy levels after the stress of delivery and alleviating depression and anxiety, acupuncture can be used postpartum to relieve backache and migraines. Additional acupuncture treatment may be needed after a Cesarean section to promote faster recuperation.

Research on Acupuncture during Pregnancy:

ACUPUNCTURE FOR PELVIC AND BACK PAIN IN PREGNANCY
In this Swedish study, 72 pregnant women (2437 weeks) suffering pelvic or low back pain were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group or a control group. Traditional acupuncture points and ahshi points were needled (with deqi elicited) in individualised treatments, once or twice a week until disappearance of symptoms or delivery in the acupuncture group. Treatment was given for at least three weeks, twice weekly for the first two weeks, then once a week. The control group received no treatment. During the study period the pain decreased in 60% of patients in the acupuncture group compared to 14% of the controls, dropping to 43% and 9% respectively at the end of the study. (Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2004; 83(3): 246-50).

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Doula Support

A recent article from "Pediatrics in Review" concluded that:

• Continuous support by an experienced woman during labor results in a shorter labor, with a greater than 50% reduction in the need for obstetric interventions that may interfere with early mother-infant contact and interaction.
• Continuous labor support for the mother results in an increased incidence and duration of breastfeeding, more affectionate mother-infant contact, and psychological benefits.

As part of our ongoing support of pregnant women, Florida Complete Wellness, Inc. has expanded our services to include doula support. The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women. It has been applied to childbirth to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth."

A postpartum doula provides care to a family with a newborn baby, whereas a birth doula assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth. Dr. Celada now offers her patients the option of providing labor support at the hospital or birth center of their choice.

Doula labor support includes:

-Recognizing the birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life
-Understanding of the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
-Staying by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
-Providing emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions
-Facilitating communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers
-Perceiving her role as one who nutures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

In preparation for labor, certain acupressure points may be stimulated to help speed contractions, along with the administration of heat and cold for labor pain. Certain positions may be recommended during labor to promote an easier delivery. "Birthing balls" which resemble exercise balls may be used to facilitate moving into these positions. Whether induction, cesearean section or natural birth is selected, the comfort of having a labor doula with you can make your birth experience more enjoyable for you and your partner.

(Source: Doulas of North America (DONA) www.dona.org)